Editor, Times-Union: I attended the Republican Lincoln Day Dinner this weekend as did my opponent Jon Hare so I introduced myself.
I ask where he grew up, how he liked the political scene, just pleasant conversation. He asked me if I knew a man named Raul Espinoza. There was a tug at my heart as Raul was my dad. He died almost 20 years ago so his bringing up his name shocked me. I asked how he knew the name. Jon said his grandparents owned a tomato farm in Milford and my dad worked for them.
What are the odds that the daughter of a tomato picker would have the honor of representing district 22 in the Indiana General Assembly? In this great country the odds are pretty good.
My success in life is just one of millions of stories exactly like mine. That is why America is the most envied country in the world. Everyone has a chance to succeed if they work hard and refuse to become a victim. I think my dad is looking down on me and smiling at this one.
Hare was quoted in the March 12 article in the Times-Union as saying I have not held a time-clock job like he has.
I clocked in when my sisters and I worked at Chamberlin Products in South Whitley after school when I was in high school. I clocked in when my sisters, mom and I worked at Blue Bell during my summer vacations.
I clocked in when I worked at the Lamp Lite Restaurant in Pierceton after school. I clocked in when I worked at United Telephone when my mother went through a divorce raising my three younger brothers and had no other income.
Just wanted to set the record straight. I wish you the best Mr. Hare and may the best person win.
Representative Rebecca Kubacki Syracuse, via email
